Nerve Agents

Speed is critical. If the victim is symptomatic, immediately institute emergency life support measures including the use nerve agent specific antidotes. Treatment should be given simultaneously with decontamination procedures. Quickly ensure that the victim has a patent airway and is ventilating well. Assist ventilation with a bag-valve-mask device equipped with a canister or air filter if necessary Maintain adequate circulation. Atropine administration will very likely will be required to enable ventilation. Stabilize the cervical spine with a decontaminable collar and a backboard if trauma is suspected. Direct pressure should be applied to control heavy bleeding, if present.

• Link to Basic and Advanced Life Support
• Link to Pediatric Basic and Advanced Life Support
• Link to Key Acute Care Adult Medications section
• Link to Key Acute Care Pediatric Medications section
• Link to Primary and Secondary Survey